Jackson Free Press

Did anyone happen to see the newscast by WLBT tonight? They actually claimed—twice—that they broke the Ridgeway story. Now if you look at our original story on Ridgeway, you can see that it was posted at 4:40 p.m. that Friday. WLBT reported the story 10 p.m., 5 hours after the JFP reported on it. That is equivalent to 17,000 years in TV time.

One thing is for damned sure: they did not break the story. Or are they claiming that they broke into regular programming at 4:30? May I see the tape?

Keep in mind that we had done all the footwork on the story by the early afternoon. It's quite likely that the only reason WLBT started chasing the story is that we were calling all over the place seeking confirmation.

Even if they started to chase it on their own, they did not break it. Adam Lynch broke the story and everyone knows it. Maybe I could give them a little wiggle room if they had run the story at 5 p.m., but they were nowhere near ready by then.

WLBT has done an excellent job beating other media—in chasing our stories. You'll notice that they were the first after the JFP to talk to Evans Welch. But who are they kidding?

Previous Comments

ID

172627

Comment

A quick peek in a blogging-free weekend. I CANNOT believe that Maggie Wade and Andrew Hasbun (sp?) actually said on air Friday night that WLBT "broke" this story. That is so, so wrong. Everybody knows who broke this story, and it was Adam Lynch, the city's best reporter. I've left a message for Dennis Smith, station manager at WLBT, to ask for an on-air correction. Will keep y'all posted.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-09-17T12:25:29-06:00

ID

172628

Comment

We saw that too, and were completely appalled. IG and I just looked at each other in total disbelief. I suppose they have to try and get away with that, since Melton was their problem first. Still inexcusable.

Author

Lady Havoc

Date

2006-09-17T12:50:48-06:00

ID

172629

Comment

Any word on this? If WLBT has any dignity they will ABSOLUTELY, no questions asked, make an on-air correction giving credit where credit is due. The JFP has done wonders with this website and everyday I continue to be more and more impressed with it. You guys have been on top of this story from the beginning. And I don't just mean this Ridgeway St. stuff. You guys have been there reporting what no one else has had the balls to report about Melton - the truth. Thanks for all your hard work.

Author

kp

Date

2006-09-18T09:11:52-06:00

ID

172630

Comment

this is such a case of the bigger entity taking credit & assuming no one will know or challenge them. Happens all the time but it still ticks me off!

Author

Izzy

Date

2006-09-18T09:17:28-06:00

ID

172631

Comment

Sometimes I think that corporate media does not credit us because they do not think we count. Oh, they're not real news, so we don't have to credit them. They're not a big corporation, so who cares? It is irksome. I think we've earned their respect.

Author

Brian C Johnson

Date

2006-09-18T10:27:55-06:00

ID

172632

Comment

I agree completely Brian - that's why it was so awesome to see Donna interviewed by WAPT. They are finally recognizing how important you guys are this community. It's about time everyone took notice of all the hard work y'all do.

Author

kp

Date

2006-09-18T11:55:33-06:00

ID

172633

Comment

Thanks, kp. As Todd says, "Do the right thing and wait." Also, if y'all don't like that WLBT is trying to claim that they broke the story, call the station and tell them and ask them for an on-air correction. The people who said it on air, that we heard, were Maggie Wade and reporter Andrew Hasbun. Demanding good ethics from media is a vital part of media literacy.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-09-18T12:04:29-06:00

ID

172634

Comment

All, I just found a link to the video where WLBT's Maggie Wade falsely claims that WLBT "broke this story." In fact, she says it twice—once at the beginning and again at the end, when she says "you broke this story two weeks ago today." Except, uh, they didn't. Why don't they just sneak into our offices and steal the art off our walls while they're at it!?! Or take Adam's motorcycle out of the parking lot?

Author

ladd

Date

2006-09-18T16:28:10-06:00

ID

172635

Comment

BTW, anybody got any idea how, if WLBT "broke" the Ridgeway Street story the night of Friday, Sept. 15, that these folks were talking about reading it in the JFP earlier that afternoon!?! Just sayin'. Come on LBT; 'fess up.

Author

ladd

Date

2006-09-18T20:26:05-06:00

ID

172636

Comment

It looks as if WLBT's reporters have no interest in correct grammar either. Look at Andrew Hasbun's listings of the conditions for Frank Melton's bond, particularly the last line: ====================== The following conditions of bond apply to the mayor: He can't carry a firearm He can't use police department equipment He can't leave the United States He can't supervise minors under the age of 17 He can't have no access to drugs or alcohol =======================

Author

lucdix

Date

2006-09-21T15:07:37-06:00

ID

172637

Comment

WLBT reporting that Sullivan is not indicted for kidnapping. Most dangerous man and he can't even get an indictment on the guy? That's not hard if you have any kind of decent ebidence.

Author

Kingfish

Date

2006-09-24T19:48:53-06:00